The U.S. consulate in Herat, Afghanistan was attacked on September 13, 2013 by a group of Taliban militants.[1] Reports indicated that the assault began at 5:30 am on the front gate of the consulate. A large truck drove up to the Consulate's primary vehicle entry point and detonated a massive improvised explosive charge, causing extensive damage.[2] A minivan carrying an assault team armed with assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades arrived and opened fire, moving into the Consulate compound. Then, the driver of the minivan ignited a bomb inside the minivan, which exploded a short time afterwards.[3] Eight Afghan members of the consulate's guard force and one Afghan police officer were killed. An unknown number of bystanders were wounded.[4] A gun battle ensued, and all seven attackers were killed. No Americans were killed or seriously injured. The Department of State awarded Heroism Awards to several of the consulate's defenders.[5]